Debbie tackles access and frequency of service issues at Greenfield station
Greenfield Station
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Shadow Minister for Disabled People, has written to the Department for Transport (DfT) and Rail North (RN) demanding better access to Greenfield station for people with mobility issues and an increase in the frequency of the services to alleviate overcrowding.
Debbie said: “Although some service cuts were removed from the recently awarded franchise plans I remain concerned about lack of accessibility for commuters with mobility issues at Greenfield station.
“Greenfield station is well-used by commuters including young families with prams, and disabled and elderly people. As there are 24 steps on either side of the train lines, the issue of step-free access is a significant challenge faced by many people.
“Considering that local commuters have seen a 24% increase in season ticket prices in recent years, I’ve expressed my disappointment that constituents using the station are not provided with better access, despite the issue being raised on numerous occasions.
“Unfortunately the problems at Greenfield station aren’t unique.
Debbie Abrahams MP
“Despite some investment in rail services, fewer than one in five railway stations have step-free access and Access for All funding has been cut by 42% at a time when the Government should be stepping up and ensuring all rail stations are fully accessible.
“The scale of this cut and the impact it will have across the entire country cannot be downplayed.
“I’ve requested detailed information about what improvements will take place to improve step-free access for commuters and what plans there are to improve access at Greenfield.
“I’ve also requested information about any plans the DfT and RN have to increase the frequency of the trains at Greenfield station especially after the Greenfield Rail Action Group have brought the issue of delays due to overcrowding to my attention.”
The Greenfield Rail Action Group (GRAG) sent Debbie a screen-shot of the live departure board for Greenfield station on Saturday 11/6/16 showing that the 15:57 from Victoria to Greenfield and Huddersfield was delayed by 20 minutes due to over-crowding.
Commenting on the issues raised by GRAG, Debbie said: “Understandably GRAG are concerned about the potential effect overcrowding is having on the health and safety of passengers and tell me they have approached the franchise holders with several ideas but have had little response from them.”
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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It’s the “same old same old” I’m afraid. As regards accessibility, stations like Greenfield (where I work) and Mossley (where I live) will NEVER get true access for all as it will cost money. However stations such as Cheadle Hulme (where I used to work) have had a small fortune spent on them with lifts etc etc. Obviously the rail companies/Network Rail feel that “certain stations” are more worthwhile (rich vs not so rich ? I wonder). Sorry but we seem to be very much “last in the queue” …
As regards frequency of trains – aren’t we looking forward to an even worse service once the electrification “upgrade” kicks in ??? OK people can get from Manchester to Leeds 5 minutes quicker (QED)but it’s going to be the intermediate stations that suffer viz Mossley and Greenfield.
One final point – we expect a rail service 363 days a year – I would be very interested to know … in the last 365 days, how many days has there be NO service (OK rail replacement buses – but they take an age !!) because of “Engineering Works” on the line between Huddersfield and Manchester Victoria ??? It seems to be every Sunday during the spring, every Sunday during the summer and every Sunday during the winter (until the Christmas rush kicks in – and then the lines are “magically open”). Anyone (GRAG ?) done an FOI on this.
Oh the joys of privatisation …